School of Music to kick off ‘Southern Exposure’ concerts

The University of South Carolina’s School of Music kicks off its 2009-10 “Southern Exposure Concert Series” with a performance by the dynamic ensemble, Real Quiet, an all-star band that includes percussionist David Cossin, cellist Felix Fan and pianist Andrew Russo.

The series begins Friday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the School of Music recital hall.

Real Quiet is dedicated to hard-edge acoustic and electric music that often blurs the borders between classical, pop and alternative genres. The group has performed to critical acclaim throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Russia.

The program consists of “Wild Pitch” by Annie Gosfield; “The Last Buffalo” by Phil Klein; “Tight Sweater” by Marc Mellits; Lou Harrison’s “Varied Trio”; and the world premiere of “Things Like That” by Jacob ter Veldhuis.

“Southern Exposure” concerts feature professional artists and ensembles and university faculty and students who perform recent music and classical compositions from the past century. Since its inception, the series has become one of the School of Music’s most popular offerings. The series won the 2007 Chamber Music America/American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Award for Adventurous Programming.

Early arrival is suggested, as the concerts are standing room only. For a donation of $75 or more, patrons can reserve one seat for the season. Visiting composer Marc Mellits will deliver a public lecture the composition process for his own music from 2:30 – 4 p.m. in Room 210 of the School of Music.

For more information on “Southern Exposure,” visit the Web site, www.music.sc.edu, or call John Fitz Rogers at 803-576-5753.